Income generation of tribal farmers of Adilabad and their relationship with profile characteristics

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(11): 2035-2041

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences
ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 11 (2018)
Journal homepage:

Original Research Article

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Income Generation of Tribal Farmers of Adilabad and their Relationship
with Profile Characteristics
L. Mahesh*, V. Sudharani, K.B. Suneetha Devi and M. Jagan Mohan Reddy
Department of Agricultural Extension, Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural
University, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500030, India
*Corresponding author

ABSTRACT
Keywords
Income generation,
Profile
characteristics and
tribal farmers

Article Info
Accepted:
15 October 2018
Available Online:
10 November 2018

The present study was conducted in Adilabad district of Telangana to study the profile
and employment generation of tribal farmers. Total 120 respondents were randomly

selected for the study and interviewed. Most of the (44.10 %) respondents belonged to
medium category followed by low (39.20%) and high (16.70%) income generation.
The results of the investigation it was found that farm size, training received, credit
orientation, achievement motivation, social support, extension contact and mass media
exposure had a positive and significant correlation with the income generation.
Whereas, age, farming experience and ethnocentrism had a negatively significant
correlation with income generation. The variables education, risk orientation and
religious belief had no significant effect on income generation.

Introduction

shifting cultivation, yet others may be
pursuing primitive forms of agriculture.

Economic and social empowerment and
educational
up-liftment
of
socially
disadvantaged groups and marginalized
sections of society is necessary for achieving
faster and more inclusive development. There
are twenty countries in the world with
substantial tribal population. India has the
largest tribal population in the world. The
tribal population of the country, as per 2011
census, is 10.43 crore, constituting 8.6 per
cent of the total population. Tribal groups are
very heterogeneous. India‟s tribals are a
diverse and heterogeneous group. Some are

still in the food gathering stage, others practice

Telangana state is very rich in the variety of
cultures that represent all stages of human
progress. We have the Chenchus, as primitive
as those who lived in Stone Age and at the
same time tribes such as Gonds who are in no
way inferior to their neighbours. Andhs and
Bhils are backward and yet assimilated
enough to be hardly distinguished. From the
Gond settled cultivators to the Koyas and
Konda Reddis who are still found inclined to
indulge in shifting cultivation, we see the
Chenchus who would not care to produce
anything and prefer to live on the roots, tubers

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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(11): 2035-2041

and other forest produce. The sustainable
livelihood approach enables development
departments to improve the design and
implementation of poverty alleviation efforts
in tribal areas. It helps to analyze opportunities
and constraints of the tribal poor, builds better
understanding of multiple perspectives,
identifies what options have better potential to
reduce poverty and what enabling conditions,

policies and incentives are needed for the poor
to increase the range of better livelihood
options.
Hence, “a study on sustainable livelihoods of
tribal farmers of Adilabad district in
Telangana state” would enable development
agencies to design appropriate and suitable
programmes to create and provide sustainable
livelihood options to tribal farmers.
Materials and Methods
For this study, ex-post facto research design
was adopted. According to Kerlinger (1973),
ex-post facto research is a systematic
empirical enquiry, in which the scientists do
not have direct control on influencing
(independent)
variables
because
their
manifestations have already occurred.
Telangana was purposively selected for the
study as the researcher is from this state.
Adilabad district of Telangana was
purposively selected for the study as Adilabad
district has a population of about 4,95,794
scheduled tribes and this district is ranked 3rd
in scheduled tribes areas, after Khammam and
Warangal in the state. Out of 53 mandals 35
mandals were having more tribal population.
Out of 35 mandals two mandals were selected

randomly. Three villages from each of the two
mandals were selected by following simple
random sampling method, thus making total of
six villages. From each of the selected village
twenty (20) respondents were selected by
following random sampling procedure, thus
making a total of 120 respondents.

Income generation operationalized as the
income in rupees generated by the respondent
from the livestock, crop enterprises, Non
Timber Forest Products and through other
Government programmes and schemes.
Scoring and categorization: scoring and
categorization
A schedule was developed for the variable and
respondents were categorised into three
categories based on exclusive class interval
method as low, medium and high level of
income generation. A score of 1 was assigned
to every rupee of income generated. The
results were expressed in frequency and
percentages. The obtained scores varied from
30000 to 120000.
Results and Discussion
It was evident from table 1 that 44.10 per cent
of respondents belong to medium category
followed by low (39.20%) and high (16.70%)
income generation respectively.
The medium to low trend of income

generation may be attributed to the fact that
the tribal farmers were unable to get minimum
price for their crop produce and their non
timber forest produce collection.
High religious belief and ethnocentrism might
have prevented them to go for better or
improved livelihood options or income
generating activities. The administration
should take necessary measures to address the
problem related to their income generation
through an integrated approach, involving
ITDA, Department of agriculture and line
departments, banks, NGOs and the PRIs.
Imparting skill development training, adult
education and support for their sustainable
livelihood may help improving their income
generation. These findings are in contrary with
the results of Krishnaprasad (2005) and in
accordance with Kiran (2011).

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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(11): 2035-2041

Relationship between selected independent
variables and income generation of tribal
farmers on sustainable livelihoods
In order to study the relationship between the
income generation of tribal farmers from

sustainable livelihoods and their profile
characteristics, the correlation co-efficient (r)
values were computed and findings are
furnished here under.
The relationship between the income
generation of tribal farmers from sustainable
livelihoods and their profile characteristics
was tested by relevant null and empirical
hypotheses.

significant relationship between income
generation by tribal farmers from sustainable
livelihoods and the variables farm size,
training
received,
credit
orientation,
achievement motivation, social support,
extension contact, mass media exposure.
On the other hand calculated „r‟ values
between age, farming experience and
ethnocentrism and the income generation were
less than table „r‟ value. Hence, null
hypothesis was accepted. Therefore, it can be
concluded that there was no significant
relationship between the between income
generation of tribal farmers on sustainable
livelihoods and education, risk orientation and
religious.

Null hypothesis
Age Vs income generation
There will be no significant relationship
between profile characteristics of the
respondents with income generation of tribal
farmers from sustainable livelihoods and both
of these are independent.
Empirical hypothesis
There will be significant relationship between
profile characteristics of the respondents and
income generation to tribal farmers from
sustainable livelihoods and both of these are
dependent.
It is revealed from the table 2 that, calculated
„r‟ values between training received and the
income generation were greater than table „r‟
value at 0.05 level of probability, whereas, the
calculated „r‟ value of the variables age, farm
size, farming experience, credit orientation,
achievement motivation, social support,
extension contact, mass media exposure and
ethnocentrism were greater than table „r‟ value
at 0.01 level of probability. Hence, null
hypothesis was rejected and empirical
hypothesis was accepted. Therefore, it can be
concluded that there was a positive and

From the findings it was evident that a
negative and significant correlation exists
between age and income generation. This may

be due to the fact that most of the respondents
were of middle to young age and were more
interested in government wage employment
works under MGNREGA and other schemes
as compared to working in their fields due to
the nature of work, convenience, easy earning,
secured income.
The development agencies should create
awareness and interest about diversified
income generating activities among the tribal
community to increase their income
generation capacity. These findings are in
accordance with the results of Chandrasekher
(1995).
Education Vs income generation
It was evident from the table 2 that education
had no significant effect on the dependent
variable income generation. These findings are
in accordance with the results of Prajapati et
al., (2014) and Chandrasekher (1995)

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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(11): 2035-2041

Farm size Vs income generation

Risk orientation Vs income generation

From the findings it was apparent that a
positive and significant correlation exists
between farm size and income generation. As
discussed in case of employment generation,
income generation also might be increased
with increase in the farm size due to the
possibility of additional components, resulting
in increased income. The development
agencies should come up with suitable
Integrated Farming System approach for
increase in the farming intensity and income
generation. These findings are in accordance
with the results of Chandrasekher (1995).

Findings of the investigation showed a nonsignificant relation between risk orientation
and income generation, which means risk
orientation had no significant effect on income
generation. Probable reason for this might be
that the tribal farmers believe in fate
philosophy, they may not take risk adopting
new technologies irrespective of its income
generation potential.

Farming experience Vs income generation
The variable farming experience had negative
and significant correlation with income
generation. The reason behind the negative
trend may be due to the fact that the middle
aged and young tribal farmers were more
involved in relatively new technologies as

compared to their older counterparts, who
were still engaged in the old and traditional
agricultural practices. The government should
take initiatives to identify the innovative ones
among the group for diffusion of the new and
suitable practices in the study area for better
income generation among the tribal farmers.
Training received Vs income generation
Similar to the previous dependent variable
employment generation, this variable training
received showed positive and significant
correlation with income generation. As with
higher level of knowledge and skills through
training, correspondingly there would be
enough chances for improvement in income
generation too. Therefore target groups should
be identified and imparted technical as well as
entrepreneurial skills to enhance their income
generation capacity.

Religious belief Vs income generation
Religious belief had negative and nonsignificant correlation with income generation.
Which means income generation was not
affected by the level of religious belief of the
tribal farmers.
Credit orientation Vs income generation
Credit orientation showed positive and
significant correlation with income generation
means higher the credit orientation, higher
will be the income generation. The reason for

such a positive relation might be that with
better credit orientation the tribal farmers
could avail timely credit from genuine
sources, which can eliminate the middleman
or money lender menace, resulting in better
income generation. Subsequently the tribal
farmers can get timely inputs for their
livelihood practices with reduced interest rates
as compared to money lender. Thus, with the
saved capital, they could add more
components and enterprises in their livelihood,
which will automatically improve their
income generation capacity. Hence, the
authorities concerned should look forward for
making the credit mechanism more
transparent and simple by bridging the
existing gap in the banking system and
formulate steps for uncomplicated repayment
system.

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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(11): 2035-2041

Achievement
generation

motivation

Vs

income

Achievement motivation had a positive and
significant correlation with income generation,
means if the person is motivated to achieve
will have better income generation. It was
observed that although the respondents had
low achievement motivation, when it comes to
certain livelihood activities of their taste like
upaadi hami, short duration crops, beedi leaf

collection, seasonal NTFP collection, which
involves less investment and immediate
income, they showed relatively high
achievement motivation. So, if certain
livelihood measures of their acceptance are
identified and promoted, their overall
achievement motivation could be improved,
ultimately resulting in better income
generation. These findings are in accordance
with the results of Dhanasree et al., (2014).

Table.1a
SL. NO.
1.
2.
3.

Category
Low income generation
Medium income generation
High income generation

Class interval
Rs 30000 – 60000
Rs 60000 – 90000
Rs 90000 – 120000

Table.1b Distribution of the farmers according to their income generation
(n=120)
Sl. No.
1
2
3

Category
Low (Rs 30000-60000)
Medium (Rs 60000-90000)
High (Rs 90000-120000)

Frequency
47
53
20

Percentage
39.20
44.10

16.70

Table.2 Relationship between independent variables and income generation by tribal farmers
from sustainable livelihoods
Sl. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Characteristics
Age
Education
Farm size
Farming experience
Training received
Risk orientation
Religious belief
Credit orientation
Achievement motivation
Social support
Extension contact

Mass media exposure

Correlation coefficient (r)
-0.333**
-0.020
0.499**
-0.336**
0.228*
-0.031
-0.115
0.235**
0.659**
0.363**
0.287**
0.449**
-0.244**

13.
Ethnocentrism
* Significant at 0.05 level of probability

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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(11): 2035-2041

Social support Vs income generation
Social support had positive and significant
correlation with income generation. It was
obvious that with better support from

different government agencies, NGO‟s and
friends, the respondents could improve their
chances of employment generation which
may lead to the high income generation.
Group activities like SHGs, Cooperative
Societies, Commodity Interest Groups,
Grower Groups etc., should be formed to
encourage supportive climate among the tribal
community as well as with the agencies
involved in tribal welfare.
Extension contact Vs income generation
Extension contact had positive and significant
correlation with income generation. It may be
attributed to the fact that with the increase in
contact with extension activities and
extension personnel, there may be more
chances of getting better quality seeds or
inputs from govt officials on subsidy basis
and by that they can reduce cost of livelihood
practices and can result in better income
generation. As mentioned earlier, the
government should try to ensure sufficient
staff strength in the agencies involved in
extension in order to reach the unreached.
These findings are in accordance with the
results of Dhanasree et al., (2014) and
Ratnakar(1990).
Mass media
generation

exposure

Vs

income

Mass media exposure had
positive
and
significant
correlation
with
income
generation. This trend may be due to the fact
that with sufficient exposure to mass media
tools like, T.V, radio, kisan melas, ICT‟s,
news paper and agricultural magazines, tribal
people can know better about market prices
and new income generation activities. To

increase mass media exposure government
should conduct more kisan melas, target
based television shows and strengthening of
ICT tools can also provide good platform for
improved mass media exposure among the
tribal farmers. Community radio can also be a
good initiative for the study area, which can
cater the need for information in local
languages. These findings are in accordance
with the results of Chandrasekher (1995).

Ethnocentrism Vs income generation
There was a negative and significant
correlation between ethnocentrism and the
dependent variable, income generation. This
trend may be owing to the fact that the tribal
have more respect for their culture and values
and may feel reluctant to allow others to enter
into their community and system, which may
result in closing of opportunities for better
income generating. Exposure visits, group
discussions and rapport building activities
should be taken up among the tribal farmers,
to over come the problem. These findings are
in accordance with the results of Prajapati et
al., (2014).
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How to cite this article:
Mahesh, L., V. Sudharani, K.B. Suneetha Devi and Jagan Mohan Reddy, M. 2018. Income
Generation of Tribal Farmers of Adilabad and their Relationship with Profile Characteristics.
Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 7(11): 2035-2041. doi: />
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